I'm throwing a code 43. I've changed the fuel filter and the O2 sensor, but it hasn't fixed the problem. Also checked that the fuel pump is working and verified the cat wasn't clogged/bad.

Symptoms - Very poor gas mileage, Bogs down while driving (feels like it's flooding with gas) but only between 1-2k rpms and 3-4k rpms. Once it's above 4, it runs significantly better with only slight power loss.

History - I was changing the oil pan and checking the timing belt when this occured. I had removed the exhaust/header, unplugged the O2 sensor and removed the valve cover. Could one of these have caused this issue?

Also noticed while I was changing the oil pan that the spring from the tensioner on the timing belt had come off. It was still laying inside the plastic cover down near the pulley and looked like it had been there for quite some time.

However, I believe this only serves a function to set the tension on the belt before the nut is tightened on the tensioner itself. Besides, if the tension was loose on the timing belt, I'm pretty sure I'd be jumping teeth around the cams.

Can anyone help guide me in the right direction? I searched already, but everyone else seemed to solve their problem with the O2 or fuel filter.

Help is appreciated in advance. It's my daily driver and it's a big suck to drive right now.

 

Also should probably mention that I've reset the CPU numerous times. The CEL only comes on when I drive at rpms higher than 3K for at least 15 minutes.

However, it drives like crap all the time whether the engine is cold or hot.

 

Apologize.... just realized I somehow got into the wrong forum... this is a prelude issue.